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iPhone Handoff lets you use one phone number on two iPhones, with the number active on the phone you unlock. Apple’s current setup guidance names T-Mobile in the United States and Telekom in Germany as participating carriers. Apple does not publish a price: carrier fees might apply, so ask your carrier about enrollment and any ongoing charges.
What iPhone Handoff does—and what it does not
After setup, one iPhone is designated as the main phone and the other as the companion. Unlock the iPhone you want to use, and the shared number switches to it; the other phone becomes inactive on the network. Apple says the active phone displays “Switched to this iPhone” after a change. Calls, voicemail, iMessage, RCS, SMS/MMS, and Find My location follow the iPhone currently in use. Other iCloud-synced data updates across devices, while third-party apps depend on their own sync behavior. Apple Support’s iPhone Handoff setup guidance
This feature is distinct from Apple’s traditional Handoff. Traditional Handoff lets you begin an app task—such as writing an email or viewing a web page—on one Apple device and continue it on another. Apple lists Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the same Apple Account, and compatible software as requirements for that feature. Apple’s iOS 27 Handoff guide and iOS 27 Continuity guide describe those software features as built into the operating systems and apps.
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Apple’s setup guidance lists these requirements for iPhone Handoff:
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Two iPhones running iOS 27 or later.
- Wi-Fi on both devices.
- The same Apple Account on both phones.
- Messages in iCloud enabled.
- FaceTime and iMessage signed in with the same Apple Account.
- An eSIM from a carrier that supports iPhone Handoff.
The Apple Support page reviewed on October 7, 2026 names T-Mobile in the United States and Telekom in Germany. That is the carrier list on that page, not a complete worldwide directory. If you are elsewhere—or your carrier is not listed—ask the carrier whether it supports iPhone Handoff on your plan and in your region. Participation can change. Apple Support
How to set up iPhone Handoff
You can enroll during setup of a new iPhone or later. Apple’s published path for an existing phone is:
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- On the iPhone, open Settings and tap Cellular.
- Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
- Select Use Number on This iPhone and Another.
- Follow the prompts on both iPhones, including choosing which one will be the main phone.
For Dual SIM, Apple says both eSIMs must be with carriers that support iPhone Handoff. Enroll each number separately; after setup, unlocking either phone switches both numbers together. Apple Support setup instructions
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Apple does not state a price or say that the service is free. Its guidance says, “Carrier fees might apply when enrolling in iPhone Handoff,” and directs customers to their carrier. Before enrolling, ask whether there is an activation or enrollment charge, a recurring fee, or a plan requirement. Those details are carrier-specific and are not established by Apple’s setup page. Apple Support
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Limits to know before switching between phones
- Only one iPhone is active on the network at a time. The feature switches the shared number rather than making both phones simultaneously active.
- Some carrier controls may remain on the main phone. Call Forwarding, Caller ID, and carrier account management may be available only there.
- An Apple Watch does not switch with the number. Pair it with the iPhone you use most. If that phone is away, the Watch’s remaining connectivity and features depend on Wi-Fi or activated cellular.
- Wallet items can behave differently across devices. Payment cards can be added to both iPhones, but certain transit passes, IDs, or corporate badges may work on only one device at a time.
- App behavior varies. Some third-party apps may sign out on one phone when used on the other, sync after a delay, or require approval from the device already in use.
Apple says to contact your carrier to turn off iPhone Handoff. Deleting the eSIM by itself may not stop charges; the carrier must disable the service. When replacing a phone, transfer its eSIM. If your carrier does not support eSIM transfer from a companion phone, Apple says you must enroll in Handoff again. Apple Support
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Questions to ask your carrier
Apple’s guidance establishes the setup requirements but does not provide carrier-by-carrier pricing or account details. Confirm the practical points with your carrier before you enroll:
Quick Recap
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Does this carrier and my specific plan support iPhone Handoff in my country?
- Are there enrollment, activation, or recurring fees?
- Does my plan support eSIM transfer from a companion iPhone if I replace it?
- Which account controls, such as Call Forwarding or Caller ID, are restricted to the main iPhone?
- What is the carrier’s process for disabling Handoff and ending any related charges?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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